Batley Parish CofE Primary Academy Nursery

Sound games, outdoor listening walks and a nursery library give Batley Parish’s youngest children several ways into learning. This is the school’s own nursery on Stocks Lane, Batley, with a building separate from the main school. The nursery and main school buildings are each on one level, a practical feature for children who need help with physical access.

In 2022, the nursery had sixty five places across two sites. That is a historical capacity, rather than a current place count. The academy has no Ofsted graded rating yet.

Once children have settled, daily phonics and a weekly focus on writing and mathematics sit alongside story and song time in each session. Planned play fills the rest of the morning. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) brings together language, relationships and physical development with early literacy, number, exploration of the world and creative activities. For parents, that means learning extends beyond practising letters and counting.

Phonics begins with listening: children copy instrumental sounds, explore noises made by their voices and bodies, and play with rhyme. They sort objects by their first sounds and blend sounds to identify pictures for a robot. Outdoor listening walks extend those activities beyond the classroom. Read Write Inc. is introduced in the spring term, adding a named approach to early reading.

Indoors, children can use construction materials, investigate water and sand, make marks, paint and explore play dough or clay. Role play can take the form of shops or a veterinary setting. Adults adapt provision to children’s interests, such as adding plants and dinosaurs to the sand tray. Children can choose between indoor and outdoor learning; climbing areas, bikes and tricycles give physical play its own place in the day.

Books also travel home. The Nursery library includes information books, rhyming stories and books with predictable endings, with an opportunity to exchange a book each week. That gives families a regular way to continue the nursery’s story habit together.

Settling starts before the first session. Families are invited to a parent meeting and stay-and-play, and every child starting nursery receives a home visit. Some children are offered a longer staggered start. These arrangements give staff and families time to discuss the child’s needs before separation becomes part of the routine.

A nursery nurse and a nursery teaching assistant are part of the staffing structure. Tapestry carries observations of learning, including photographs, written notes and video, alongside ideas for activities at home. For children needing additional help, the class teacher is the first contact, with the SENDCo coordinating support. The school uses Assess, Plan, Do, Review, and holds termly SEND reviews involving families.

Toileting support is individual. Children who are still learning can receive assistance and an individual toilet management plan; families provide spare clothing, wipes and nappies or pull-ups as needed. Milk and fruit are free, and a nursery water cooler lets children refill their named bottles. A voluntary contribution supports materials for play dough, baking and occasional food tasting.

Nursery attendance does not guarantee a Reception place and gives no admissions priority. Families must make a separate application through the normal admissions process. Familiarity with the school does not replace that application.

For September 2027 entry, the closing date is 15 January 2027. Applications use the common application form through the local authority’s coordinated scheme. Kirklees residents use the Kirklees Parent Portal; families living elsewhere apply through their home local authority. Enhance Academy Trust makes the admissions decisions. A supplementary form is needed only when seeking consideration under the faith criteria.

Currently, sessions run only in the morning, from 9:00am to 12:00pm. This makes midday collection a central consideration for working families. Children must be collected punctually, and late collection attracts an additional charge; contact the school for current charges.

Children may wear uniform or their own clothes suitable for messy play. Keep wellington boots at nursery and send a waterproof coat and spare clothes, adding a sun hat in warmer weather. Tell staff beforehand if somebody else will collect your child; a password system supports collection arrangements.

For enquiries, telephone 01924 326361 or email office@batleyparish.enhanceacad.org.uk. The office can direct questions to the relevant team.